An overview of discussion items and major decisions of the Board of Education of School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake). For meeting agendas/minutes and a schedule of upcoming board meetings, visit sd8.bc.ca/meetings.

Online Learning Continuous Learning Report 2025–2026

The Board received the Online Learning Continuous Learning Report 2025-2026, presented by District Principal Ken Wiens and District Teacher Coordinator Jeff Yasinchuk. The report reviewed the structure and evolution of the Elev8 | DESK and 
Elev8 | Homelinks programs, highlighting how they support flexible, interest-based, and blended learning models. Staff presented information about enrolment trends, course offerings, student engagement, program design, including supports for Indigenous learners and students with diverse needs. 

Kindergarten Registration

Superintendent Trish Smillie presented an update on kindergarten registration for the 2026–2027 school year. The Board reviewed the registration timeline, eligibility requirements, and the role of catchment schools, as well as district-wide promotion efforts through schools, community partners, digital channels and through conventional media. 

Budget Development Process and Schedule 

Secretary-Treasurer Cathy MacArthur presented the 2026–2027 Budget Development Process and Schedule. The report outlined key milestones, including public consultation opportunities beginning March 10, 2026, and Board discussions leading to budget adoption by June 30, 2026. Trustees discussed the importance of community input and the alignment of budget planning with Board priorities and operational realities.

Policy Changes

All policies are available on the SD8 Board Policies and Administrative Procedures page. 

Policies approved for field testing:

• Policy 490 – School Closure (revised to provide greater clarity)
• Policy 610 – Financial Planning and Reporting (revised and retitled)
• Policy 611 – Capital Planning (new policy aligned with provincial requirements and sector practices)
• Policy 430 – Fees, Deposits and Financial Hardship (approved for field testing and to be renumbered as Policy 612)
• Policy 650 – Disposal of Real Property and Improvements (revised to provide greater clarity)

In addition, the Board approved revisions to Policy 112 – Governing Principles, clarifying the duties of the Vice-Chair, and Policy 121 – Committees of the Board of Education, clarifying elected and appointed Trustee representative roles.

Student Trustee Reports

L.V. Rogers Secondary School (LVR) 

Student Trustee Fitz-Earle reported that LVR Art students are launching their annual art show at the Nelson Public Library at 7 p.m. on Friday, January 16. The school also held a pep rally supporting the Senior Boys’ Basketball team, who went on to win the Kootenay Classic tournament. In addition, the school prepared for grade-wide assemblies on grad planning, course selection, and mental health, and announced the launch of “Foundry Fridays” to promote student wellness in partnership with Foundry. Foundry offers free and confidential mental health and wellness services for youth ages 12-24 in British Columbia and their families.

Kootenay River Secondary School (KRSS) 

Student Trustee Catherall reported that KRSS held a successful winter assembly with student-teacher competitions and a Winter Wonderland dance attended by about half the school. Both events were organized by student council. Student leaders also supported the community through a giving tree, planned a bake sale, ran student-led announcements, and continued clubs and programs such as art club, drama club, and the student-run food program.

J.V. Humphries Elementary-Secondary School (JVH) 

Student Trustee Kinnear reported that the school held a weekly Teen Advisory Group (TAG) meeting where students were informed about upcoming ski days, missing work expectations, and were given a work block to catch up on due or overdue assignments. Student parliament also organized a stress-free activity day before the break with volleyball, cookie baking, and a candygram station where students sent kind messages and sweets to friends.

Crawford Bay Elementary-Secondary School (CBESS)

Student Trustee Hamilton reported that the school staged a winter concert featuring four original student plays, including one written by a grade 6 student, and the music class led joyful performances that focused on sharing and positive messages. The school also celebrated achieving a 50% garbage reduction goal, and students continued to work on reducing their ecological footprint while preparing for new activities in January, including the annual theatre production.

Next Meeting

The next Meeting of the Board held in Public is scheduled for February 10, 2026.

These highlights exclude confidential information such as business negotiations, personnel issues and legal matters. For other information or to provide feedback, please contact SD8 Communications & Engagement.

About School District No. 8 (Kootenay Lake): Our mission is to inspire and support each learner to thrive in a caring learning environment. We are located in the southern Interior of British Columbia and serve numerous diverse communities in the Kootenays including Crawford Bay, Creston, Kaslo, Meadow Creek, Nelson, Salmo, Slocan, South Slocan, Winlaw, Wynndel, and Yahk. We also serve students across B.C. through our provincial online learning school, Elev8. Our dedicated team focuses on providing the best possible educational opportunities for about 4,700 students and their families.